So, tonight I saw a spectacular film, Up in the Air. George Clooney plays a fellow, Ryan Bingham, who lives his life out of a suitcase, he travels the country firing people for a living. When some company needs to let go of a bunch of people, they call Ryan’s company to send people to pull the trigger. Ryan likes this life, this life of frequent flyer miles, hotel rewards programs, airport lounges. He’s constantly moving, constantly surrounded by people. He’s practically a ghost to his two sisters, his only family, but he’s too busy to notice. He likes having no attachments, his career fosters that sort of lifestyle. He’s absolutely happy. He’s completely happy until he gets a look at the end, until he’s faced with life alone in his one room apartment in Omaha, Nebraska. Thanks to the magic of technology, the internet and video conferencing, face-to-face firing might not have to take place in the same room anymore.

The film is brilliantly acted by everyone involved, particularly Clooney. It tells a story that is so real, so common to the human experience. What does one do when life gets quiet? What happens when one’s tasks are done? It’s film that asks questions, but it doesn’t spoon feed answers. Up in the Air isn’t a fairytale, it’s a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, constantly beautiful story that examines what’s really important at the end of the day.

Share me:

5 Comments so far

I love your description of the movie…I saw it last week and was mesmerized by it. I hadn’t really had time to digest it because I have been so busy, but I like your summary!

Maria January 7th, 2010
3:56 pm

Mike, I saw and loved your episode on This American Life. My grandmother, who was paralyzed below the neck and on a ventilator, recently passed away a couple of days ago. Seeing your episode made me think of what she could have had, if she could have lived.

I’ve been very much looking forward to seeing this movie. 🙂 Can’t wait!

Chris Pena January 11th, 2010
11:32 am

Dude,
Excellent movie review. I hadn’t put my finger on why I liked the movie so much.
I adore those big questions! — What is really going on here? What am I working towards? Am I paying attention to life? Who is asking? Who is listening, answering?… 🙂
Sending you waves of peace,
Chris

*I loved what you said about not having time for fear (on T.A.L.). So true for us all.*